We’ve all seen it whether we choose to admit it or not. It’s the afternoon talk shows that sensationalize unwed mothers, their children, and their secret daddies.

A screen display with photos of sweet, innocent children illuminates the stage and audience. All eyes look up in pity at these adorable children. A woman, the mother, sits to the side, sheepishly smiling, oblivious of her shame and sin. The talk show host is sophisticated but plays a compassionate, understanding role. His part is to discover who the real daddy of the child is. Two, maybe more, men sit alongside the mother, each a potential father. They sit arrogantly, smugly, and defiantly as the evidence is read.

The big moment comes when the DNA results are announced, and the real father is named. The true father sometimes walks away indignantly. Other times the father is joyful and agrees to tend to his responsibilities. Whatever the outcome, the crowd participates with applause, tears, or laughter. No one seems mindful that this premise is based on sin, and the future seems bleak for all involved.

Two thousand years ago another beautiful teenage girl found herself in a similar predicament. However, two things differed from the talk show scenario. She, Mary, was a virgin and had conceived by the Holy Spirit. She knew deep in her heart that the father was God. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. (Luke 1:28 KJV) And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. (Luke 1:31 KJV) Mary was stunned!

This whole situation was complicated by her betrothal to Joseph, a descendent of David. When Joseph could see that Mary was with child, he became confused and despondent. He didn’t know whether to cancel the marriage or give Mary away. The danger was that Mary could be stoned for this trouble.

A holy angel appeared to Joseph and reassured him that this was God’s plan. She told him to continue with the marriage plans.

The bible doesn’t say very much about their reunion, but they must have been ecstatic. They also had to face friends and neighbors, who didn’t understand their situation. Not like today’s society, unwed mothers were viewed with shame and disgust. Oftentimes they even faced death.

Joseph and Mary survived all the persecution by the grace of God. Mary delivered her beautiful son, Jesus, the living savior, the King of Kings. This birth occurred in Bethlehem, and many miracles happened to celebrate this spectacular event.

Mary and Joseph knew Jesus’ father and in prayer and thanksgiving they praised him constantly. This would never be a talk show plot. It was life; it was real. The Savior had come.

Thank you, Lord for all fathers – those who sacrifice for us, those who work hard to support us, and all those who love us. Bless them abundantly.

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Two things - The angel in the story was male, so it should say "he" told. I would suggest trying to expand this a bit... tell us something most people DON'T know about the Christmas story (I know... hard to find, I'm sure!) rather than retelling people what they probably already know.

Nice job with this. I loved the reminders and the contrast between now and then.

This is a good devotion. I liked the beginning and how you set it up. Some may be embarrassed to admit to watching shows that exploit babies and bad decisions. I've wondered before when a show proved several men aren't the father if perhaps the beautiful baby is a product of incest. It does remind me to pray.

I think your weakest area of judging would be how well did this fit the topic. I sensed the question might be Who is my father? But it is a bit of a stretch. You want to write a story where if the reader didn't know what the topic is they could have a good guess. My guess for this story would have been parents.

You did a nice job of bringing a Biblical example. I've often wondered if Mary was selected not just for her heart but so young teen mothers in the future would have a role model. Also Jesus came in human form so he would truly understand us as we are hurting. I know Jesus truly understood when a child is teased for not knowing his father.